CDL Class A Instructor Trainer

160 Driving Academy•Loves Park, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a CDL Class A Instructor Trainer to teach students the skills needed to earn their CDL, from pre-trip inspections through yard maneuvers and on-road driving. The instructor works at a designated yard with other instructors and a Lead Instructor, following the defined curriculum and preparing students to meet CDL testing standards on their first attempt. The role includes tracking student attendance and progress, providing additional support, and maintaining accurate training records, evaluations, and documentation. Incidents and accidents must be reported promptly to the lead and corporate. This is local, hands-on work at an outdoor training yard, using trucks with automatic and manual transmissions. Instructors may occasionally cover other regional yards, including in emergencies, and may help transfer trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. Keeping the yard and building clean and presentable, including light upkeep, is part of the job. The position requires dependable, on-time attendance and a student-focused approach marked by patience and professionalism. A 90-day probationary period applies to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum requirements. Most yards operate Monday through Friday, either 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Higher-volume yards may operate seven days a week, ten hours per day, with alternative shifts that may include four-day work weeks. Occasional regional-yard coverage may involve an overnight hotel stay; per diem and mileage are paid in the stated circumstances. Compensation includes opportunities for annual merit increases to hourly wages based on business performance, a monthly shared bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates and student ratings, and additional bonuses and paid hours as described in the posting. Benefits include shared-expense medical and dental coverage, paid vacation, attendance and birthday paid days off under the stated eligibility conditions, relocation assistance for qualifying moves, referral bonuses, branded gear, and access to yard laptops. The stated career path is Yard Instructor, Assistant Lead Instructor, Lead Instructor, and Regional Manager. The academy encourages veterans to apply and is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

High school graduation certificate or equivalent.
Valid Class A CDL and at least 24 months of verifiable Class A tractor-trailer driving experience; Nevada applicants require five years of Class A CDL experience.
The state where the applicant obtained their driver’s license must be the same state as the state where they are applying to work.
Manual transmission experience, with a license to operate and ability to teach manual transmission.
Motor Vehicle Record free of violations.
Ability to pass a DOT physical and DOT-mandated drug and alcohol screening.
Clearance through a background check.
Strong communication skills and ability to mentor and coach students.
Basic computer skills for tracking student progress and scheduling.
Residence in the state of application, or confirmed residence secured for relocation.
Meet state instructor-licensing requirements where applicable.
Reliable, on-time attendance.
Ability to climb in and out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate maneuvers.

Nice To Haves

Four or more years of consistent Class A driving experience.
Prior experience mentoring, coaching, or training drivers.
Driver Training Instructor certification; the academy provides guidance and support to obtain it if required by the state.

Responsibilities

Teach Class A driving skills through hands-on training in outdoor yards, using automatic and manual transmissions.
Guide students through pre-trip inspections, yard maneuvers, and on-road driving.
Prepare students to pass CDL testing standards on their first attempt.
Track student attendance and progress and provide additional support when needed.
Maintain accurate training records, evaluations, and documentation.
Report incidents and accidents to the lead and corporate in a timely manner.
Work with fellow instructors and the Lead Instructor to deliver a consistent student experience and follow the defined curriculum.
Help keep the yard and building clean and presentable, including light upkeep.
Cover for instructors at nearby regional yards when needed, including certain emergencies.
Assist with transferring trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards.
Maintain reliable, on-time attendance.
Demonstrate driving maneuvers and support students with patience and professionalism.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage with shared expense.
Paid vacation: one week to start, two weeks after year one, and three weeks after year two.
Eight-hour paid day off for a full year of perfect attendance.
Paid birthday day off after one year of service, provided as an eight-hour floating holiday.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to locations 100 or more miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear, including vests, hats, flashlights, and gauges, and access to yard laptops.
Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Monthly shared bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates, subject to full eligibility conditions.
$100 accident-free bonus for top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage under the stated regional coverage circumstances.